“Knock On Wood” - Donald “Duck” Dunn
Eddie Floyd — Knock on Wood (1966)
Bass: Donald “Duck” Dunn
Duck Dunn’s bassline on “Knock on Wood” is everything great soul bass playing should be—clear, grounded, rhythmically confident, and completely committed to supporting the song. He doesn’t try to embellish or decorate the groove. Instead, he locks into a steady, pulsating feel that holds the band together and gives the track its unmistakable drive.
This bassline is a lesson in how to create momentum with simplicity. Dunn keeps the line direct and unpretentious, but every note has purpose. The groove hits with strength not because of complexity, but because of the weight and intention behind his placement.
The Line
The line is built around a consistent, no-nonsense rhythmic pattern that outlines the harmony with clean authority. Dunn’s choices are economical: strong roots, solid motion between chords, and the occasional connective tone that nudges the harmony forward. The part never steals attention, yet it’s absolutely essential.
The beauty of this line is how confidently Dunn plays it. The pattern repeats without feeling repetitive. It becomes the foundation the entire band leans on, giving the song its feel of unshakeable certainty.
Pocket & Time
Dunn’s pocket on “Knock on Wood” is one of his most definitive performances. His time is centered, strong, and forward-moving—but never rushed. He places the notes with a grounded, assertive authority that locks perfectly with Al Jackson Jr.’s drums.
The feel is tight but never stiff, relaxed but never loose. Dunn creates a sense of propulsion simply by staying exact and present. This is pocket leadership in its purest form.
Tone & Touch
Duck Dunn’s tone is warm, thick, and immediately recognizable. He plays with a rounded attack that gives each note a firm front edge, followed by a clean, supportive sustain. His touch brings a certain weight to the groove—a kind of grounded confidence that makes the line feel bigger than the notes themselves.
There’s nothing flashy in his articulation, but everything is deliberate. His tone carries the spirit of Stax: earthy, soulful, and honest.
Harmonic Movement
The harmonic movement is simple, but Dunn plays it with clarity and intention. His transitions between chords feel smooth and natural. When he adds a passing tone or a brief movement, it never sounds decorative; it sounds like part of the song’s DNA. He gives the harmony shape without ever stepping out of the supportive role.
This is harmonic function delivered with taste, balance, and perfect restraint.
Interaction With the Band
As with most Stax recordings, the magic is in the ensemble, and Dunn is the glue. He locks tightly with the drums, leaving the upper instruments free to shape the emotional arc of the tune. The horns hit with power, the vocals soar, and the guitar comps with that unmistakable Memphis rhythm—and underneath it all, Dunn holds the song steady with unwavering conviction.
He understands exactly where he belongs in the arrangement, and he never occupies space that doesn’t serve the song.
Working Pro principle:
Strength comes from simplicity delivered with conviction.
Duck Dunn shows that a groove doesn’t need more notes—it needs clarity, feel, and absolute trust in the foundation you’re creating. When you commit to the role of support with confidence and authority, the entire band rises.
Shed Like A Pro
Hear every detail. Feel every nuance.
This isolated bass track gives you full access to the clarity, articulation, and pocket of the original performance—without the rest of the band masking the subtleties. Shed with the exact phrasing, dynamics, note length, and feel that define master-level bass playing.
Step into the band. Fill the chair.
This minus-bass version of the original recording places you directly in the bassist’s role—same mix, same energy, same interaction, with the entire ensemble responding to your time, feel, and sound.